What action should be taken when tires start to lose control due to hydroplaning?

When tires start to lose control due to hydroplaning, taking your foot off the gas pedal is the recommended action. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water on the road surface causes the tires to lose contact with the pavement. This can lead to a loss of steering control and can make it difficult to maintain the vehicle's stability.

By easing off the gas pedal, you reduce the vehicle's speed, allowing the tires to regain traction with the road surface. This gradual reduction in speed helps to stabilize the vehicle and can bring it back under control as the water is displaced and contact with the road is restored. Maintaining composure during this situation is crucial, as any sudden movements or drastic actions can increase the risk of skidding or losing control entirely.

Other actions, like keeping feet on both pedals or applying the brakes quickly, can exacerbate the situation by causing further loss of traction. Similarly, turning the steering wheel sharply can lead to oversteering or understeering, resulting in a greater risk of an accident. Therefore, calmly taking your foot off the gas is the most effective response to regain control during hydroplaning.